Gig ends as singer loses his voice

American rock band The Killers have been forced to cancel a UK concert just four songs in because their lead singer lost his voice.

Thousands of fans at the sold-out Manchester Arena were on Tuesday night left disappointed after Brandon Flowers was unable to continue the show due to a sore throat. Wednesday night's show has also been cancelled.

The band, who hail from Las Vegas, took to their social networking sites to apologise for the abrupt cancellation and said they hope to reschedule the gigs. They wrote on their official Twitter page: "Both Manchester shows (scheduled for the 13th & 14th) have been cancelled. We will have info about the rescheduled dates very soon."

And the rockers added on Facebook on Tuesday night: "Manchester, we started something we couldn't finish and we're so, so sorry. Working on rescheduling tonight and tomorrow's shows. Will let you know new dates ASAP."

Katherine Vine, a reporter for the Manchester Evening News, was at the gig. She told the newspaper: "They played Mr Brightside and it sounded fine. I thought it was going to be great. But after the third song, Smile Like You Mean It, Brandon said that his voice had gone and that he had a Chinese remedy drink so he would take that.

"They started the fourth song but he didn't sing a lot of it and was motioning to the rest of the band that he could not carry on. They left the stage and then a bloke came out and said that the gig was cancelled."

Ms Vine said the crowd reacted well. "It was really calm," she added. "I thought Manchester handled it really well. There were a few boos but most people just applauded and made their way home."

Manchester Arena said in a statement on its website: "Lead singer Brandon Flowers had to take a break early into Tuesday evening's performance after complaining of a sore throat. Unfortunately, he was unable to continue with the rest of the show.

"The band intend to reschedule both Manchester concerts for next year. Confirmation of the new dates is expected within 48 hours."

A spokesman for the venue said ticketholders are advised to retain their tickets and to contact their point of purchase for further information.